Boost tourism with first class concert venue

RIMSHOTS

By Noble Collins
Gazette Columnist

Tonight I saw the future of Payson. At least I had a clear vision of what it could easily be, and it was grand and exciting and a winner for everyone involved.

I envisioned Green Valley Park as a first class outdoor amphitheater with a Broadway type stage and a world class sound system.

The fist third of the seating area was covered by a clamshell overhang, as was the stage. This area was somewhat recessed so as not to block the view from the remaining areas. It was reserved for chairs and tables so that people wishing to buy first class tickets could bring their candelabras and gourmet dinners to enjoy. The remaining two thirds of the area was divided into stadium seats for the first third and an open grassy hill for the last third for folks to bring their own seats.


The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra was playing as part of a Summer Pops concert series, and Josh Groban was the featured soloist. The air was typically cool and comfortable and the sky was beautiful above the scene.

Thousands had made the short drive from Scottsdale or Fountain Hills, Sedona, Flagstaff or Prescott to attend and enjoy a marvelous weekend in the cool little mountain town of Payson. The entire town had been retrofitted to accommodate these visitors.

Payson is not a factory town, but this could be its factory, bringing in hundreds of thousands of tourist dollars and spiking widespread interest in the town. It’s a natural, and probably one of the few things the town could do to bring tourists here and keep them at least overnight.

New restaurants and shops would open. The old Ox Bow Saloon could easily be turned into a western attraction. You don’t need a large city for this. In fact, the charm of a small town is part of the attraction.

When the stage isn’t used for pops concerts, it could hold festivals and special events like bluegrass or blues, musicals or plays. Something could be going on almost year round.

Here’s one way I see it happening: A group is formed with representatives from the existing arts and concert organizations. This would become The Payson Performing Arts Association. An agreement would be struck with the town council to lease the amphitheater for a long term. A bond issue would be floated to cover the costs of building the facility, and the Performing Arts Association would buy most or all of the bond. All proceeds from any use of the park, other than for public occasions, would accrue to the association, including parking fees ( a new parking lot would be needed).

It requires a large leap of faith and very deep pockets in the beginning. Only folks with a use for large write-offs need apply. BUT, it represents an enormous opportunity to put Payson on the national map for tourists, and give exciting life and meaning for all future generations. The opportunities for young people to contribute as stage hands, workers or even “extras” in performances could keep them here instead of losing them to other towns.

Towns like Wolf Trap, Virginia; French Lick, Indiana; Telluride, Colorado and others are shining examples. If done properly, there is no reason why Payson could not be in that league. The variables and opportunities are endless.

The standing, whistling, shouting crowd at the Payson High School Auditorium one recent night was a resounding testimony to the latent yearning for the kind of entertainment presented by the Broadway show. The organizers are to be congratulated. From this beginning, the future should be obvious.

Lots of money and a large cylinder to reel in the red tape are required. It’s a huge undertaking. An outstanding “trail boss” would also be needed to see the project through.. It’s a gamble of sorts, but I say, “Build it and they will come.” It’s there for the taking and nothing else has near the potential for creating a unique and lasting future for Payson.

A first rate concert on a cool evening in the mountains, only a short beautiful drive away. How could folks in the valley resist? Make the parking lot large enough to accommodate tour buses.  A night in Payson before going on to Sedona or other tour stops. would be on every agenda.

We could, of course go on forever promoting camping and fishing, but Safeway, WalMart and Circle K are the main beneficiaries of transient dollars. The rest of us feed off each other.

Hey, at least don’t forget you heard it here.